Bowflex SelectTech 552 Assessment

A flexible choice for dwelling gyms, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells can add some selection to your strength-training exercises. By merely turning a dial on the finish of the dumbbell, you’ll be able to change the load to fit your train and health stage. With the selection of 15 completely different weight increments, the dumbbells are a budget-friendlier option to broaden your own home fitness center with out the great value and area allotment for a rack of dumbbells.

Since I like understanding at dwelling and attempt to fluctuate my strength-training exercises, I used to be excited to check the Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells. Over a interval of 9 months, I used them frequently, performing quite a lot of completely different higher and decrease physique strengthening workout routines with varied masses. Throughout my periods, I evaluated the dumbbells’ high quality, sturdiness, and grip, whereas additionally listening to components which can be distinctive to adjustable dumbbells, resembling the benefit of adjustability.

Verywell Match editors and testers additionally spent 16 hours testing this and different adjustable dumbbells in our Lab. After testing 15 of the most well-liked adjustable dumbbells, this one got here out on high as our greatest general decide.

Who It’s For

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells are perfect for individuals who power practice at dwelling (excellent if you happen to use stability boards or different related tools) and wish simple and handy entry to dumbbells of assorted weights. They’re particularly appropriate for individuals who have restricted area for train tools or don’t need to buy a big rack of dumbbells. For the reason that weights regulate from 5 to 52.5 kilos, the set works for newbie or skilled weightlifters, and can hold your exercises difficult as you make progress over time.

That being mentioned, the set is expensive, and can run you much more than buying a few pairs of dumbbells. So it’s well-suited for individuals who are dedicated to a house exercise routine and are assured they’ll use a variety of weights.

Setup and Use: Handy and hassle-free

The set comes totally assembled, so unboxing them was a cinch. As soon as I used the included Allen wrench to take away the protection strap that holds them in place, they have been able to go.

The dumbbells are a bit longer and barely bulkier than common dumbbells, even on the smaller weight increments, which is often the case with adjustable dumbbells. Nevertheless, I nonetheless discovered them comparatively simple to maneuver. And, not like another adjustable dumbbells, they keep the standard dumbbell form, even on the greater finish of the load capability. In consequence, I may carry out conventional power coaching strikes, utilizing varied masses, with out considerably altering my type.

Adjustability: Fast and simple

Every dumbbell may be adjusted to weight increments of 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 52.5 kilos. To vary the load, you merely flip the dial on the finish of the dumbbell, which clicks the proper weight plates into place and leaves the unused ones within the storage tray once you decide up the dumbbell. When you hear the satisfying click on, you realize the plates for that weight are locked into place and also you’re good to go.

A cool characteristic is that the weights regulate in increments of two.5 kilos as much as 25 kilos, and 5 kilos from 25 to 50. What meaning is that inexperienced persons can steadily enhance the load quantity, relatively than making an enormous leap and risking accidents, or plateauing at a sure weight for a very long time.

When re-racking the dumbbells, it’s important to watch out to line them up correctly, however that was additionally fairly easy. The fast adjustment course of makes the transition between workout routines very seamless. I like that I may rapidly and simply change the load on the finish of a set so I didn’t waste time and vitality fumbling with tools. General, the 552s exceeded my expectations for ease of adjustability.

Grip: Comfy and safe

Once I first grasped the dumbbells, I used to be instantly impressed. The grips on the 552s are barely cushioned, which feels extra ergonomic and cozy than common metal dumbbells.

In lots of months of use, I’ve discovered the grip to all the time really feel safe, even when my arms are sweaty or clammy. I haven’t observed any slipping in any respect, whatever the train or load used.

Sturdiness: Deal with with care

The 552s have some plastic elements, such because the connector items, which appear to be they could be susceptible to cracking if dropped. The stand can also be product of plastic and, whereas I haven’t observed any put on and tear, I’m wondering the way it will maintain up over time.

We did assess the dumbbells’ sturdiness in The Verywell Testing Lab by performing some drop assessments. They weren’t broken when dropped on fitness center flooring, however they did get a bit scratched from a drop on concrete. Nevertheless, it didn’t have an effect on the dumbbell’s use or efficiency.   

Usually, evidently these dumbbells weren’t made to be dropped or slammed, so if that’s your lifting model, it’s your decision a extra sturdy choice.

Portability and Storage: Compact and simple to retailer

One of many set’s most interesting advantages is its small footprint, which takes up considerably much less area than a rack of the 15 pairs of dumbbells that it replaces. If your own home fitness center dimension may be very restricted, or for instance your elliptical machine takes up many of the area, they’re a compact choice.

The plastic storage trays, though not probably the most engaging choice, work effectively for storing the dumbbells when not in use. The trays additionally hold the steel plates from banging collectively, serving to to reduce noise. With that mentioned, it might be good if the trays had rubber or silicone ft on the underside to guard the ground. To this point I haven’t observed any marks on my hardwood flooring, however I’m wondering if the trays may scuff them over time.

How We Examined

I used the dumbbells for about 9 months in my dwelling fitness center, performing quite a lot of dumbbell-based strength-training workout routines with completely different resistance ranges. Earlier than I began my dwelling exercises, I unboxed the dumbbells and took observe of their look and portability, in addition to ease of setup.

I sometimes do three to 4 power coaching periods per week and have used the dumbbells for quite a few higher and decrease physique workout routines, together with lunges, deadlifts, squats, hip thrusts, chest press, chest flyes, tricep presses, tricep extensions, tricep kickbacks, rows, bicep curls, overhead press, Russian twists, and extra.

Throughout my periods, I evaluated the dumbbell’s ease of use whereas performing every train, paying attention to any modifications I needed to make. I additionally assessed how simply and rapidly I may change the load increments in between workout routines. All through my exercises, I paid consideration to how every dumbbell felt in my arms and if the load felt evenly distributed. In fact, my arms inevitably get sweaty throughout exercises, and I famous whether or not my grip felt safe once they have been moist.

In The Verywell Testing Lab, our testing workforce additionally put the dumbbells via a drop check to judge their sturdiness. We dropped the dumbbells from hip peak as soon as on foam fitness center flooring and as soon as on concrete slabs to see how they’d maintain up.

Value: Inexpensive and nice worth

Though the value ($429) could seem excessive, the set is certainly cheaper than shopping for 15 pairs of dumbbells and it’s truly priced very competitively for adjustable dumbbells. For individuals who have dwelling fitness center area constraints and need to broaden their exercise choices, they’re a superb funding.

The Competitors

Whereas there are some inexpensive adjustable dumbbells obtainable, the 552s are a superb worth for his or her superior grip, ergonomics, and ease of use they usually stack up properly towards the competitors.   

Core House Health Adjustable Dumbbells: These dumbbells have related specs to the 552s, boasting a weight vary of 5 to 50 kilos and simple, fast adjustability. Nevertheless, they require some meeting they usually regulate in 5-pound weight increments, so they could not work for inexperienced persons.

Powerblock Elite Dumbbells: For superior weightlifters who desire a greater weight vary, this set, which maxes out at 70 kilos with the enlargement equipment, is a pleasant choice. They’re fast to regulate and have a cushty grip, however the distinctive sq. design might take somewhat getting used to.

FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbell: Should you’re seeking to spend much less, this dumbbell is extra reasonably priced than the 552s and really related in performance and efficiency, though it does have a smaller weight vary of 5 to 25 kilos. A sensible choice for inexperienced persons, it comes assembled and is straightforward to regulate.